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How to stay positive during hardships?

Beating the tough time with the courage and patience is an actual bravery. People who do not despair in the hard times and remain focused have remarkable qualities. Indeed when tough challenges hit, it either define you or destroy you. But good thing is hardships does help us to value the ease.

Today, I like to share few incidents from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to highlight how he acted during distressful circumstances. So that it help you to stay positive and keep your spirits high insha’Allah.

Be with me!

Abu Talib’s Death

It was the 10th year of Prophethood. Things in Makkah were returning to normal after the long social economical boycott of Banu Hashim. Historians report that the Quresh instated a stifling boycott on muslims for approximately three years in Makkah. Only when this confinement ended, muslims took a sigh of relief.

Prophet’s uncle and his caretaker Abu Talib suffered heavily through this trial and got ill. He was 70 years old. The hardships of the siege had weakened his health. The Makkans took it as an opportunity to speak about Muhammad ﷺ. In his last moments, some notables from Quresh like Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umayyah visited him. They were well aware of the bond between the Prophet ﷺ and his uncle. They were hoping that the Prophet would listen to his uncle’s dying wishes but no settlement occurred among them. The leaders were reluctant to accept Islam and Prophet ﷺ was clear in his beliefs. The Prophet ﷺ tried that they embrace Islam and persuaded Abu Talib till his last breath.

“My uncle, just make a profession that there is no true god but Allah, and I will bear testimony before Allâh (of your being a believer)”. (Al-Mubarakpuri, 2003)

Sorrowfully, he insisted on his ancestors’ faith and eventually died in the state of disbelief. One can only imagine the grief of Prophet ﷺ not only for his loss, but also on Abu Talib’s denial of the truth. Out of the deep emotions, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ remarked:

“By Allah, I will persistently beg pardon for you till I am forbidden to do so (by Allah)”. (Al-Mubarakpuri, 2003)

It was then that this verse was revealed in Quran (9:113):

“It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah’s forgiveness for the Mushrikeen (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief).”

And it was said to the Prophet ﷺ:

“ Verily! You [O Muhammad ﷺ] guide not whom you like.” (Quran, 28:56)

Nevertheless, Abu Talib was the tower of defense against the arrogant Quresh. He did not let Quresh “isolate” Prophet ﷺ. Everyone knew his death meant the loss of political protection for his nephew and for Muslims. It was a 40-year long selfless relationship, the love and care he showed to Prophet ﷺ and Muslims is admirable.

Shortly after, Abu Lahab became the chief of Abu Talib’s tribe whose hatred and enmity towards believers was not hidden from anyone. Initially he abided by the wishes of the clan in protecting Muhammadﷺ, but quickly reverted to his former enmity. With this development, the persecution, insult and disrespect of the messenger by people of the city reached to a higher level. There were many disgraceful, unprovoked acts that Prophet ﷺ patiently endured in this difficult time. Regardless, he continued his mission and kept calling people to the oneness of Allah.

Khadija’s R.A Death

Just two months after the death of his uncle, another calamity struck the Prophet. His beloved companion, loving wife, and mother of his children, Khadijah R.A passed away. Sadly, this time Prophet ﷺ lost the central pillar of his household, the love of his life. His internal strength was stricken with this trial. For 25 years, they shared companionship of each other. She was 65 years old at the time of her death and Prophet ﷺ was 50. These were the gloomy, grim days for the family of the Messenger. Khadija bint Khuwaylid was the first lady to believe in his dawah and stood bravely by him in all-critical situations. His spiritual companion with a pure heart, mind and soul who always comforted his agony was gone. She was his best person, who used to alleviate his sufferings and always raise his morale. May Allah SWT be pleased with her; and may He reward her best recompense. Ameen

Conclusion

Allah SWT exemplifies Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for the whole mankind. So as a result, the important part is to learn from his life and character.

His trials and difficulties were not small, but even at that time, he did not forget to trust Allah SWT. As Allah the Almighty revealed these verses:

“And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise. And sufficient is He to be, with the sins of His servants, Acquainted” (Quran, 25:58)

Optimism is the key to handle odd situations. Prophet’s life is a proof that he was a fountain of optimism. No matter, how grief struck him, how heart-broken Prophet ﷺ was from the behavior of enemies, he did not discontinue his mission.

Prophet ﷺ endured the loss of his beloved ones with utmost patience. As he knew Allah SWT says in the Quran:

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”. (Quran, 2:155)

Because of these and similar incidents, no one could assert that Islam succeeded with the help of a particular person, but rather it was due to Allah’s help and protection as He is the best Disposer of all affairs.

Thus, as believers, we should remain patient and submissive in all conditions with the decree and commandments of Allah SWT, no matter how difficult things are, no matter who comes in and goes away from our lives, we should always remember and affirm with our tongue and heart by saying,

“… Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Quran, 2:156)